Easter Bunnies

This year for Easter Kinders and 1st graders discussed the differences between a circle and an oval. We completed this discussion by drawing an Easter bunny. We used a series of circles and ovals to draw the bunny with a black crayon then colored the background any color (most chose blue) and colored the bunny's ears and nose pink. We also discussed how the sky is not only at the top of the paper, but all the way down to the ground line. Lastly we counted how many ovals and how many circles we used to make the bunny. Hoppy Easter!!!

CoLoR ScHeMeS!!!

Junior High studied different color schemes and created this project based on those color schemes. First, we divided up the paper into 8 5x7 equal rectangles. Next, we used a 5x7 index card and created an abstract design and traced it in sharpie. Then, we traced the index card 8 times on the white paper (flipped around). Next, we learned the 8 different color schemes that they were required to use...

1. Primary

2. Secondary

3. Neutral

4. Warm

5. Cool

6. Monochromatic (primary color)

7. Monochromatic (secondary color)

8. Student choice(any color)

Lastly, we used sharpie to outline the lines a second time to clean it up a bit.

"G" is for Giraffe!!!

We learned that "G" is for Giraffe while reading the book Giraffes Can't Dance. (I posted a copy of the book in earlier in the blog, enjoy!!) This project took three classes to complete. The first day we read the book and created the background using a blue piece of paper, 1/3 of a green piece of paper, and a glue stick. During the next class, each student received three crayons (white, black and brown) and a yellow piece of paper. First we drew stars and night sky on the background. Next, we used ovals and curves to draw a dancing giraffe with black crayon and used a brown crayon to fill in the spots. The last day of the project, we cut out our giraffes and glued them to the night sky!!

Silhouettes

Last month, a professional silhouette artist, Varin, (who also happens to be my beautiful mother) came to Herrera School to teach us about the art of silhouettes. She came all the way from San Diego to teach Kinder-8th graders about the history of silhouettes and how to cut them. She started each lesson by talking about the history of silhouettes and how they are made. Earlier that morning, I asked teachers from our fine arts team and junior high to come to my room to have their silhouette done. During class, I layed out the teacher's portraits and called students up to the table as a challange to see if they could identfy each teacher portrait (and they guessed correctly!!!) Next, Varin chose the student with the closest upcoming birthday and cut a silhouette of that student. She gave them pointers, for example, always have the model sit so the front of thier face is on your right hand side (if you are right handed) so that it is easier to cut the tiny details on the face. Also, to turn the paper when you are cutting, not you hands. Next the students paired up and cut silhouettes of their friends!!! Students were surprised at how difficult it was, but had a lot of fun!!!

You can view Varin's work at www.papercutsbyvarin.webs.com

"Hand Trees"

Kinder students are still continuing to work on our art alphabet. This week we are on the letter "H" and we are learning how to trace our hands to make a hand tree. This lesson teaches students how to trace their hand, how to draw more realistic trees, and how to make the color of the sky go all the way to the ground line. It also teaches students to think creatively about what is or could be in a tree. This project took 2 art classes to complete; one to trace and draw objects in tree with a black crayon and the other day was to add color and color sky all the way to the ground line.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!

March 2nd was Dr. Seuss's Birthday!!! We celebrated this important day by learning how to draw one of his most famous characters... Cat in the Hat!! This project was completed with Kinder- second graders! First, we discussed the character and the I showed the Herrera's little artists how to draw it step-by-step using a black crayon. Next, they chose a color for the background and colored the hat and bow with red crayon. Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!!

INK MONSTERS!!!!

I love this project!!!! This was a project that I have been meaning to do for the past three years but haven't had a chance to try. Well, I am so glad I finally tried!!! Not only do they turn out amazing, but the kids had a BLAST creating these!! I completed this project with 5th graders and later (because I loved it so much) used it as an incentive for Jr. High. I used liquid watercolors,card stock, sharpies, and colored pencil (only one extra color). First, I demonstrated how to do the project and my expectations. We learned that you do not need to squeeze the bottle, just turn it upside down over the paper. Let about 5 drops of paint drop on the paper. Then quickly, you get really close to the paper, take a deep breath in and blow!!! (some people use straws for this but I did not). Next, we used sharpie markers to add the details such as eyes, shoes, claws, spikes, and much more!! This project really challenges our artists to think creatively! This idea was inspired by http://www.dailymonster.com/ which is a website where the artist posts a new ink monster everyday!! Check it out becuase it is amazing!!!

Herrera Mission Mural

Our school's Mission statement is "Academic, Linguistic and Artistic Excellence!" We chose to illustrate this mission in the entrance of the school!! Junior High students worked on the mural and we are so proud of the outcome!

Perspective Hallway

Junior High students were working on a mural in the hallway, but we quickly realized a problem in having a whole class complete this mural. The mural we were painting was tall and narrow and all students could not paint at once. So, I decided to break the group into two teams and switch each day. While one team was painting, the other was drawing the hallway in perspective!! This worked out really well for our mural (becasue I obviously could not leave the rest of the group in the art room while I was outside) and the results are beautiful. First, we used pencil to draw the hallway and after they were able to color them realistically or colorful.

G- giraffes cant dance- kinder

Giraffes can't dance

View more PowerPoint from picasso2

Art and Music...Our first IMPRESSION

This week, I collaborated with the music teacher (Mr. Estrella) to teach students about Impressionist art and music!!! First, we looked at Van Gogh's Starry Night and discussed what we see and how it is painted. Next, Mr. Estrella discussed and played Clair De Lune by Debussy. Students discussed the title of the song, what they hear, and how it is played. Then, it was time for art... each student received oil pastels and blue paper. They were asked to draw their favorite place to watch stars at night, but they had to draw in the style of Van Gogh. Students used short strokes to create texture in their artwork. We also listened to Debussy's piece while they worked.